West Ham sign Argentina’s Rodriguez on free transfer

West Ham United have completed the signing of Argentina midfielder Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer.

The 30-year-old joins the Hammers following the expiry of his contract with La Liga club Real Betis, where he spent four-and-a-half years.

Capped 30 times by Argentina, Rodriguez was part of his country’s World Cup-winning squad in 2022 and is a two-time Copa America winner.

“I feel like it’s every footballer’s dream to play in the Premier League, and I was very excited when I heard that West Ham were interested in me,” he said.

“It’s a historic club that has a really interesting project. I think it’s the right club for me, at the right time, and I hope together we can keep growing.”

Rodriguez, who started his career at River Plate, added he spoke to West Ham and Mexico midfielder Edson Alvarez about moving to east London before agreeing the switch. The pair were also team-mates at Mexican side Club America.

West Ham have spent more than £100m so far this summer following the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as manager.

They have already signed Dutch forward Crysencio Summerville from Leeds, Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug from Dortmund, midfielder Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras and defender Max Kilman from Wolves.